It was an ordinary day. Gary and I are taking our oldest sons Eric and Derek to play golf for the first time. Actually it is the first time for me to ever play golf. Now, I have played miniature golf and the par 3 courses, but this course near Elkton, Maryland looks like fun, and how hard can it be? We are on vacation and staying near Locust Point on the Elk River. We noticed this course, because it is located near our turn-off on Rt. 213S. We get up early and get to the course by 6:30 AM. Have to rent equipment so our first stop is in the pro shop. Derek is the only lefty and luckily they have a set of youth clubs for him. He and Eric are 13 years old and don't need an adult set of clubs. We get a map of the course, pay our fees and head to the first tee. Decided to walk today, since they told us Wednesdays aren't busy and the cost of the clubs, balls and greens fee was higher than we expected. Off we go. And go. And go. I'm really getting to see every square inch of the course. By the halfway point, nine holes, I have close to a score of 100. I'm a good baseball and softball player, but that doesn't translate into being a good golfer. Seems my baseball swing is sending the ball into everywhere imaginable. After the 10th hole I have to walk back to the pro shop for another dozen balls. We have lost 10 balls already and they won't let us take turns with the balls like we do in miniature golf. I can't tell you how many people have played past us already. Some seem amused while others seem annoyed. Hey, we're having a good time. Almost!! Finally, on the shortest hole, number 17, I start to take my time and swing a little different. It takes me two shots to get the ball onto the green. Now, it's just like miniature golf. One shot and I have my first par! Par for the this gorgeous course with all the lakes, ponds, pine groves, and sand traps is 72. Wow, by the end I find myself on the losing end of the foursome with a 216. Derek wins the 1st Annual Bay Tournament with a score of 142. They are so glad to see us leave. I don't know why, since they made extra money on us. We make our way back home for lunch. Maybe that should be supper. Seems it is 3:30 PM. The wives seem genuinely worried when we pull up at the beach house. "You really got your money's worth, didn't you?" Carol said. And then she continued with, "I bet they'll never want to see you again!!" It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Story in memory of Gary H.
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